How To Choose A Good Horse Boarding Facility

Choosing a good horse boarding facility is not something you can do without weighing up the pro and cons of each and having a talk with the barn owners. Of course, your budget is one of the significant determiners when deciding where your horse will live. You also want to make sure it is a good fit for you and your horse.

Is The Boarding Facility A Good Match

Not every boarding facility is a good match. Each barn will cater to different disciplines, ages, horse types, and competitors. Whether this is the first time you will be boarding a horse or something you have done for years, there are always certain questions you must ask before making a decision.

Research Your Location

Before we get into the specific questions, you need to ask the boarding facility. It would be best if you did a little pre-research legwork. The first step you need to do is create a list of the options in your location. Start by setting a radius. Decide how far you are willing to travel every day to see your horse and put all the facilities that fall into this radius on your list.

Once you have your list do a preliminary cut. For example, suppose a facility is western riding focused and you ride English. In that case, it is pretty certain that it won’t suit you. This will leave you a working list to get started with your inquiries.

Decide On What Is Essential

You will no doubt have some services that are essential for your horse. Examples of essential features are good stables, quality hay and feed, an outdoor arena with decent footing, and turnout. What standard of these essentials you expect will depend on your personal preferences and your budget.

Facility Features

Then decide what features of the facility are nice to have, but you could live without if you can’t find it in your area. For example, an indoor arena is great for bad weather riding but not necessarily essential. However, if you live in an area with cold winters, this can become essential.

Other nice features include hot water for the wash stall, a solarium, a horse walker, year-round turnout. Decide if you want full, part, or self-care. Also, if you’re going to work on your riding, you might want an excellent on-site instructor available. If you enjoy going on trail rides, direct access to trails is a nice to have feature. Another nice to have is a secure tack locker to store your gear.

What To Ask A Boarding Facility

Once you have your working list, contact each one, make an appointment to visit. Don’t decide to move to a facility without seeing it in person, and ask detailed questions. The last thing you want is to arrive expecting certain services, only to find out you misunderstood because your question wasn’t clear.

Turnout Protocols

The vast majority will feel turnout is essential. And your horse will agree! Ask the boarding facility if they have turnout but don’t stop there. Find out details about how the barn runs its turnout system for boarders.

● Will your horse get out every day?

● For how long? 

● Will your horse get turnout alone if you want or with other horses?

● What is the condition of the turnout? Does it have grass or not?

● What kind of maintenance does that farm do? Do they poo pick regularly?

When you visit the barn, ask to see all of the turnout paddocks to check the conditions yourself. Make sure the fencing is safe and well maintained. Look for any hazards in the paddocks and check that all the horses have access to clean water.

Boarding Facility Arena

Take a good look at the arena. Check the surface to see if it’s too deep, too hard, or stony. Will the surface suit the needs of your horse? If you like jumping and compete regularly, you will want a good surface for the well-being and safety of your horse.

Jumps

If you want jumps, ask if these are available and if you can use them when not in a lesson. Some facilities will not allow jumping unless it is at the times you are working with an instructor. 

Booking times

Ask if there are times when the arena is booked and borders can’t use it.

If you already work with an instructor, find out if the new facility is happy for them to come to give you lessons if you want to continue using them.

Boarding Facility Operating Hours

Many boarding barns have opening hours when they allow people to come. Check to see if the facility’s hours will work for you. For example, places that cater to adults might stay open later to accommodate people after work. However, some places might have strict hours rules, so make sure you get a clear answer.

Facility Stables and Tack Room

Ask the barn manager about the stables and where your horse will live. How big are the stables? You want to make sure they are big enough for your horse. You will also want to make sure they are clean, bright, free from hazards, and have good ventilation. It would be best if you also asked the following.

● How often are the stables cleaned?

● Do the floors have rubber mats?

● How often do the horses get new bedding? (take a look around to see if horses have decent bedding or are on minimal amounts)

● If they have grooming stalls, are you allowed to use them?

● During your barn tour, ask to see the tack room and where you store your equipment.

● Find out if there are places where you can keep your horse’s blankets.

Finally, what kind of facilities are available for borders?

● Is there a bathroom you can use?

● Is there a lounge area or place to make coffee?

● Is there a fridge you can stick your lunch in?

On-Site Instructor

If there is an on-site instructor, make sure you ask about them. Find out what discipline they specialize in and make sure they have the level of expertise that will help you improve your riding. Also, ask how much lessons cost and if there is a discounted price for borders.

Ask What Services Are Included

Before deciding on a boarding facility, make sure you are crystal clear about the services they offer. Find out how much the monthly board is and what it includes.

● Ask if it includes turning your horse out?

● Does it include blanket changes?

● What type of grain is included?

● Do you have to provide any supplements yourself?

● What things cost extra, such as trainer rides, grooming, and attending the horse with the vet or farrier.

Barn Atmosphere

One of the most important aspects of joining a new boarding barn is the type of clients there and the general atmosphere. You want to keep your horse somewhere where you will feel like you fit in, and hopefully, it does not have a lot of drama.

● Is the barn full of riders that compete a lot?

● Are there a lot of kids there?

● Is it primarily adult clients?

● Are there any activities held throughout the year?

Each of the above questions will, of course, depend on your personal preference. Some adult riders might prefer a quieter kid-free barn. In contrast, others will love the liveliness that kids bring to the environment. You will want to keep your horse at a barn with people you will enjoy spending lots of time with. Otherwise, you’ll be miserable.

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing a boarding facility isn’t easy as just picking one nearby. It expensive to board your horse, and you want to make sure the barn has the care of your horse as a priority. You also want to ensure it is a place you will happily spend many hours every week.

Try to find other people who have boarded at the barns on your shortlist. This can give you some great insight into the care and people there.